According to the 5th Dalai Lama it was Traba Ngonshe (1012-1090) and Guru Chowang (1212-1270) who first introduced the Five Personal Gods into a Buddhist context. In modern times it was the 5th Dalai Lama (1617-1682) who wrote a ritual text and further popularized the practice. The 4th Panchen Lama, Lobzang Tenapi Nyima (1782-1853), also wrote a liturgical text for the Five Personal Gods. The first known Sakya text was written by Dagchen Kunga Lodro (1729-1783) who clearly states that his writings are based on the text of the 5th Dalai Lama. He also mentions very clearly in the first few lines that the group of protection gods belong both to the Bon religion and then the Buddhist religion.

mo lha - Female God, located at the left armpit of an individual.

srog lha - Life God, located in the heart of an individual.

pho lha - Male God, located at the right armpit.

yul lha - Regional God, located at the crown of the head of an individual.

dra la - Enemy God, located at the right shoulder.